Thousands of dodgy vapes seized from shops in Midlothian

Trading Standards Officers say they contained way more nicotine than allowed

Author: Paul ReillyPublished 10th Apr 2024

Nearly 2,500 dodgy vapes have been seized from local shops in Midlothian.

Trading Standards Officers say they contained way more nicotine than allowed.

They're restricted to a level equivalent to about 600 puffs - these ones had up to 8,000.

They were seized from eleven retailers and were investigated following inspections and also tip-offs from local residents and businesses.

Gail McElroy who manages the council’s Trading Standards team and Councillor Stuart McKenzie

Over 700 vapes from Midlothian have been sent to a special plant in Falkirk to be destroyed and part recycled.

The rest of the seized vapes have been retained for evidence in the event of legal proceedings.

A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal against one local trader.

Those convicted can face 6-24 months imprisonment.

Councillor Stuart McKenzie, Midlothian Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards said “I welcome the news of this seizure as the health risks from illegal and unregulated vapes that do not meet safety standards are concerning, especially with regards to the effects on the health of young people.

"Our Trading Standards team will continue to monitor the situation locally.”

Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on the hour, every hour, at Forth 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Forth app, on your DAB radio, online at Forth1.com, or say ‘Play Forth 1’ on your Smart Speaker.